Intel Introduces World's First HDSl2 Router for High-Speed Internet Access.

High-Tech Writers

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 17, 2000

Groundbreaking Product Offers Cost-Effective Solution that Enables

the Doubling of High Speed Routing Capacity Over Existing Copper

Infrastructure

Intel Corporation today announced the world's first router based on the new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL2) standard. The Intel(R) Express 9545 enables the delivery of full 1.5 megabit per second or "T1" speeds over a single pair of copper wires doubling the bandwidth capacity of current DSL technologies. The product allows service providers to deliver a standards-based, cost-effective and high-speed routing solution for businesses accessing the Internet or building private networks.

"Intel is focused on delivering leading e-Business solutions that take advantage of emerging industry trends and standards like HDSL2 in order to make it easier for our customers to connect, communicate and conduct business in the Internet economy," said Eric Fullerton, general manager, Intel's WAN Systems Operations. "This router makes it easier for service providers to deploy a more reliable and affordable high-performing networks."

The innovative Intel Express 9545 integrates a native HDSL2 -- the first symmetrical DSL standard -- interface and a Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit (CSU/DSU). The product provides robust networking capabilities in one compact solution by combining both routing and a CSU/DSU into one device, decreasing the number of devices customers must install in their network.

The standard-based Intel Express 9545 router is built to interoperate with HDSL2 Access Concentrators and DSL Access Multiplexers (DSLAM) solutions from leading vendors such as AccessLAN(1), ADC/PairGain(1), Adtran(1) and Wetstel(1).

"Solutions built on HDSL2 address market demand for standardized DSL solutions and will considerably reduce the costs of operation for service providers," said Michele Bishop, director of Marketing for ADC's Loop Transport Products Division. "Combining an integrated HDSL2 CPE device, like the Intel Express 9545 router, with an intelligent platform, such as ADC's Soneplex or Wideband 3190 System, significantly increases future network management possibilities."

Intel Express 9545 Router

In addition to helping double access capacity, the Intel Express 9545 Router reaches distances of more than two miles, approximately twice the length of current DSL technologies, significantly increasing the number of customers that can benefit from this product. The Intel Express 9545 Router also implements the Embedded Operation Channel (EOC) standard, as well as the optional remote console capabilities which enable full remote configuration and management for service providers. This gives service providers the ability to directly ship the Intel Express 9545 to their business customers for easier installation and system configuration, which can reduce initial and ongoing maintenance costs.

The Intel Express 9545 Routers complements the existing line of Express 8200 and 9500 Routers. These products are Internet and branch office access routers with one or two Wide Area Network (WAN) ports and one or two Local Area Network (LAN) ports. They support common WAN interfaces and routing protocols and are extremely easy to configure and manage, reducing configuration effort and service calls for service providers.

Existing Routers Receive Firmware Upgrade

Intel also announced a new firmware release, version 4.2, for its entire family of 8200 and 9500 routers. The firmware includes new features, such as:

-- ISDN-rate Digital Subscriber Line (IDSL) support for

"always-on" Internet connectivity at ISDN rates of up to 144

kbps;

-- Integrated firewall with "stateful" inspection providing a

more secure environment for the corporate network and

e-Business transactions; and

-- Optional Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocol

providing enhanced routing performance for larger networks.

Availability

The Intel Express 9545 Router and the Intel Express Router 4.2 release are available today. The Express Router 4.2 release, including the enhanced, stateful inspection firewall, is available for download from support.intel.com/support/express/routers.

All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network of distributors, value-added resellers and service providers. For more information, visit www.intel.com/network/.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.

(1) Third party marks and brands are property of their respective holders.